As we all know, once alcoholics decide not to drink, their biggest challenge is staying off it. We
also know that many find this too tough a challenge at times and at this point throw in the towel.
If you have reached this stage and yet still want to give up drinking, you will find it helpful to
ask yourself "what good can come of this if I sit with this empty glass/ bottle, feeling sorry for
myself/guilty/ashamed, at having failed to stick to my plan ?". If you answer truthfully, you'll
answer "nothing". Then, if you think a little more you will soon begin to realise that the best
thing you can do is not beat yourself up but reactivate your plan. And when you reactivate it , I'm
sure that everyone who cares about you and wants as much as you do to see your plan to stay off
drink succeed, will cheer.

Just recently I came across a poem about what to do when plans fail. I share it with you all now,
in the hope that at least one person may benefit from it. This poem came from a Christian website
so if you don't believe in their God, the word "God", can mean any Higher Power you believe in.

Start Over

When you've trusted God and walked his way.
When you've felt his hand day by day.
But your steps now take you another way...
Start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry.
When you've tried your best and there's no more try.
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why...
Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do.
When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
and now you're all alone and it's up to you...
Start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone.
When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
and now your grandchildren have come along...
Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will.
When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still.
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill...
Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit.
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit .
When you've tried and tried to get out of t...
Start over.

When the year has been long and successes few.
When December comes and you're feeling blue .
God gives a January just for you...
Start over.

Starting over means "Victories Won"
Starting over means "A Race well Run"
Starting over means "God's Will Done"
Don't just sit there..............
START OVER.

Wishing you all well

JB

catsruleok wrote:
> As we all know, once alcoholics decide not to drink, their biggest
> challenge is staying off it. We also know that many find this too
> tough a challenge at times and at this point throw in the towel. If
> you have reached this stage and yet still want to give up drinking,
> you will find it helpful to ask yourself "what good can come of this
> if I sit with this empty glass/ bottle, feeling sorry for
> myself/guilty/ashamed, at having failed to stick to my plan ?". If
> you answer truthfully, you'll answer "nothing". Then, if you think a
> little more you will soon begin to realise that the best thing you
> can do is not beat yourself up but reactivate your plan. And when
> you reactivate it , I'm sure that everyone who cares about you and
> wants as much as you do to see your plan to stay off drink succeed,
> will cheer.
>
> Just recently I came across a poem about what to do when plans fail.
> I share it with you all now, in the hope that at least one person may
> benefit from it. This poem came from a Christian website so if you
> don't believe in their God, the word "God", can mean any Higher Power
> you believe in.
>
> Start Over
>
> When you've trusted God and walked his way.
> When you've felt his hand day by day.
> But your steps now take you another way...
> Start over.
>
> When you've made your plans and they've gone awry.
> When you've tried your best and there's no more try.
> When you've failed yourself and you don't know why...
> Start over.
>
> When you've told your friends what you plan to do.
> When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
> and now you're all alone and it's up to you...
> Start over.
>
> When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone.
> When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
> and now your grandchildren have come along...
> Start over.
>
> When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will.
> When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still.
> When you want to stop cause you've had your fill...
> Start over.
>
> When you think you're finished and want to quit.
> When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit .
> When you've tried and tried to get out of t...
> Start over.
>
> When the year has been long and successes few.
> When December comes and you're feeling blue .
> God gives a January just for you...
> Start over.
>
> Starting over means "Victories Won"
> Starting over means "A Race well Run"
> Starting over means "God's Will Done"
> Don't just sit there..............
> START OVER.
>
> Wishing you all well
>
> JB

JB, good story, nice poem, but I didn't care for all the *YOU's*. I know
how it was and is for me and I would much rather hear how it was and is for
*YOU*. I, for one, was always good at telling other's how to do something.
Did I follow my own advice? Not always! I would much rather see you post on
what you are doing to stay sober.
Best,
Gail

"Gail" <leonard_gail@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vhdvkqmqmplj6b@corp.supernews.com...
> JB, good story, nice poem, but I didn't care for all the *YOU's*. I know
> how it was and is for me and I would much rather hear how it was and is
for
> *YOU*. I, for one, was always good at telling other's how to do something.
> Did I follow my own advice? Not always! I would much rather see you post
on
> what you are doing to stay sober.
> Best,
> Gail
>
>
Welcome back...we missed you.

DA

"rosie readandpost" <readandpost@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:uEDRa.15620$6a3.211204@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> HELLO gail!
> i agree................share YOUR experience, strength and
hope......................
>
> --

Coming from the most prolific paster of daily dogma here, along with
prolific posting of "advice" and ROTFLMAO almost obscuring a dearth of
experience, it's do as rosie says, not as rosie does.

"rosie readandpost" <readandpost@REMOVETHIS.com> wrote in message
news:MU0Fa.72106$jT4.1515242@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> i stay in ARAA (with an active killfile) to share my experience, strength
and hope and to remind those who come, that
> these few folks ARE NOT a sample of the loving understanding, that can be
found in AA and other support groups!

"rosie readandpost" <readandpost@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:A98Ka.109221$Xl.2092045@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>
> i will never be recovered..............................


>
> "Gail" <leonard_gail@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vhdvkqmqmplj6b@corp.supernews.com...
> > catsruleok wrote:
> > > As we all know, once alcoholics decide not to drink, their biggest
> > > challenge is staying off it. We also know that many find this too
> > > tough a challenge at times and at this point throw in the towel. If
> > > you have reached this stage and yet still want to give up drinking,
> > > you will find it helpful to ask yourself "what good can come of this
> > > if I sit with this empty glass/ bottle, feeling sorry for
> > > myself/guilty/ashamed, at having failed to stick to my plan ?". If
> > > you answer truthfully, you'll answer "nothing". Then, if you think a
> > > little more you will soon begin to realise that the best thing you
> > > can do is not beat yourself up but reactivate your plan. And when
> > > you reactivate it , I'm sure that everyone who cares about you and
> > > wants as much as you do to see your plan to stay off drink succeed,
> > > will cheer.
> > >
> > > Just recently I came across a poem about what to do when plans fail.
> > > I share it with you all now, in the hope that at least one person may
> > > benefit from it. This poem came from a Christian website so if you
> > > don't believe in their God, the word "God", can mean any Higher Power
> > > you believe in.
> > >
> > > Start Over
> > >
> > > When you've trusted God and walked his way.
> > > When you've felt his hand day by day.
> > > But your steps now take you another way...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've made your plans and they've gone awry.
> > > When you've tried your best and there's no more try.
> > > When you've failed yourself and you don't know why...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've told your friends what you plan to do.
> > > When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
> > > and now you're all alone and it's up to you...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone.
> > > When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
> > > and now your grandchildren have come along...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will.
> > > When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still.
> > > When you want to stop cause you've had your fill...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you think you're finished and want to quit.
> > > When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit .
> > > When you've tried and tried to get out of t...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When the year has been long and successes few.
> > > When December comes and you're feeling blue .
> > > God gives a January just for you...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > Starting over means "Victories Won"
> > > Starting over means "A Race well Run"
> > > Starting over means "God's Will Done"
> > > Don't just sit there..............
> > > START OVER.
> > >
> > > Wishing you all well
> > >
> > > JB
> >
> > JB, good story, nice poem, but I didn't care for all the *YOU's*. I
know
> > how it was and is for me and I would much rather hear how it was and is
for
> > *YOU*. I, for one, was always good at telling other's how to do
something.
> > Did I follow my own advice? Not always! I would much rather see you post
on
> > what you are doing to stay sober.
> > Best,
> > Gail
> >
> >
>
>

tsk, tsk, bob...................just chill....................

--
read and post daily, it works!
rosie

never let yesterday use up too much of today.
...........................anonymous



"Robert McGregor" <robert_mcgregor@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message news:bf74g4$bj097$1@ID-49289.news.uni-berlin.de...
>
> "rosie readandpost" <readandpost@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:uEDRa.15620$6a3.211204@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > HELLO gail!
> > i agree................share YOUR experience, strength and
> hope......................
> >
> > --
>
> Coming from the most prolific paster of daily dogma here, along with
> prolific posting of "advice" and ROTFLMAO almost obscuring a dearth of
> experience, it's do as rosie says, not as rosie does.
>
> "rosie readandpost" <readandpost@REMOVETHIS.com> wrote in message
> news:MU0Fa.72106$jT4.1515242@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > i stay in ARAA (with an active killfile) to share my experience, strength
> and hope and to remind those who come, that
> > these few folks ARE NOT a sample of the loving understanding, that can be
> found in AA and other support groups!
>
> "rosie readandpost" <readandpost@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:A98Ka.109221$Xl.2092045@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> >
> > i will never be recovered..............................
>
>
> >
> > "Gail" <leonard_gail@charter.net> wrote in message
> news:vhdvkqmqmplj6b@corp.supernews.com...
> > > catsruleok wrote:
> > > > As we all know, once alcoholics decide not to drink, their biggest
> > > > challenge is staying off it. We also know that many find this too
> > > > tough a challenge at times and at this point throw in the towel. If
> > > > you have reached this stage and yet still want to give up drinking,
> > > > you will find it helpful to ask yourself "what good can come of this
> > > > if I sit with this empty glass/ bottle, feeling sorry for
> > > > myself/guilty/ashamed, at having failed to stick to my plan ?". If
> > > > you answer truthfully, you'll answer "nothing". Then, if you think a
> > > > little more you will soon begin to realise that the best thing you
> > > > can do is not beat yourself up but reactivate your plan. And when
> > > > you reactivate it , I'm sure that everyone who cares about you and
> > > > wants as much as you do to see your plan to stay off drink succeed,
> > > > will cheer.
> > > >
> > > > Just recently I came across a poem about what to do when plans fail.
> > > > I share it with you all now, in the hope that at least one person may
> > > > benefit from it. This poem came from a Christian website so if you
> > > > don't believe in their God, the word "God", can mean any Higher Power
> > > > you believe in.
> > > >
> > > > Start Over
> > > >
> > > > When you've trusted God and walked his way.
> > > > When you've felt his hand day by day.
> > > > But your steps now take you another way...
> > > > Start over.
> > > >
> > > > When you've made your plans and they've gone awry.
> > > > When you've tried your best and there's no more try.
> > > > When you've failed yourself and you don't know why...
> > > > Start over.
> > > >
> > > > When you've told your friends what you plan to do.
> > > > When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
> > > > and now you're all alone and it's up to you...
> > > > Start over.
> > > >
> > > > When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone.
> > > > When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
> > > > and now your grandchildren have come along...
> > > > Start over.
> > > >
> > > > When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will.
> > > > When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still.
> > > > When you want to stop cause you've had your fill...
> > > > Start over.
> > > >
> > > > When you think you're finished and want to quit.
> > > > When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit .
> > > > When you've tried and tried to get out of t...
> > > > Start over.
> > > >
> > > > When the year has been long and successes few.
> > > > When December comes and you're feeling blue .
> > > > God gives a January just for you...
> > > > Start over.
> > > >
> > > > Starting over means "Victories Won"
> > > > Starting over means "A Race well Run"
> > > > Starting over means "God's Will Done"
> > > > Don't just sit there..............
> > > > START OVER.
> > > >
> > > > Wishing you all well
> > > >
> > > > JB
> > >
> > > JB, good story, nice poem, but I didn't care for all the *YOU's*. I
> know
> > > how it was and is for me and I would much rather hear how it was and is
> for
> > > *YOU*. I, for one, was always good at telling other's how to do
> something.
> > > Did I follow my own advice? Not always! I would much rather see you post
> on
> > > what you are doing to stay sober.
> > > Best,
> > > Gail
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

hi gail,
I'm the resident MASTER of "do as I say, not as I do"! I have tons of good
ideas. In fact, I'm so good that I actually gave up my new year's resolution
for Lent! (father kevin would be so proud of me!)

talk later guys
john

Ok, I will..
Today I didn't need or want a drink. Slept late because I am having to sit
up later to pick my son up at work. Always kinda scared he will be drunk
when I pick him up. He did that on the 4th and I really had a hard time, all
the while listening to him call me names and bring up his childhood to me
because of my drinking. The only thing I could think of was to go to a
meeting and ask someone to come out and talk or just be there with me
because he was so angry and drunk. I think it probably, rather, did help me
more than it helped him. Anyway, next night he wanted a meeting. He has been
to about three since then. Thing is, I am going everyday now. I see AA
meetings and the program of AA in a different light, now. They were there
for me and I want to be there for them.
There is this girl that has asked me to be her adopted mother. She was in a
car accident and is kinda slow. She is also pregnant. Today, I took her
clothes, shoes and some other goodies. She wore one of the dresses to the
meeting, along with a pair of shoes and the necklace I gave her. Then, I
took her to the meeting and the meeting was all about resentments. Blue, I
even talked. That is something I have never done in meetings. You guys and
gals have helped me so much with understanding the program of AA and about
meetings. I don't rely on this group to keep me sober. But this group has
been awfully helpful in helping me to learn how to stay sober. For that, I
thank you all.
So, I have had a wonderful week. My son may drink again or he may go to
meetings and start working the program of AA. I have put that in God's
hands. I am taking care of me now and I really feel great tonight.
Have a great day or evening to all you guys and gals!
Gail

"rosie readandpost" <readandpost@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:uEDRa.15620$6a3.211204@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> HELLO gail!
> i agree................share YOUR experience, strength and
hope......................
>
> --
> read and post daily, it works!
> rosie
>
> never let yesterday use up too much of today.
> ..........................anonymous
>
>
>
> "Gail" <leonard_gail@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vhdvkqmqmplj6b@corp.supernews.com...
> > catsruleok wrote:
> > > As we all know, once alcoholics decide not to drink, their biggest
> > > challenge is staying off it. We also know that many find this too
> > > tough a challenge at times and at this point throw in the towel. If
> > > you have reached this stage and yet still want to give up drinking,
> > > you will find it helpful to ask yourself "what good can come of this
> > > if I sit with this empty glass/ bottle, feeling sorry for
> > > myself/guilty/ashamed, at having failed to stick to my plan ?". If
> > > you answer truthfully, you'll answer "nothing". Then, if you think a
> > > little more you will soon begin to realise that the best thing you
> > > can do is not beat yourself up but reactivate your plan. And when
> > > you reactivate it , I'm sure that everyone who cares about you and
> > > wants as much as you do to see your plan to stay off drink succeed,
> > > will cheer.
> > >
> > > Just recently I came across a poem about what to do when plans fail.
> > > I share it with you all now, in the hope that at least one person may
> > > benefit from it. This poem came from a Christian website so if you
> > > don't believe in their God, the word "God", can mean any Higher Power
> > > you believe in.
> > >
> > > Start Over
> > >
> > > When you've trusted God and walked his way.
> > > When you've felt his hand day by day.
> > > But your steps now take you another way...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've made your plans and they've gone awry.
> > > When you've tried your best and there's no more try.
> > > When you've failed yourself and you don't know why...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've told your friends what you plan to do.
> > > When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
> > > and now you're all alone and it's up to you...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone.
> > > When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
> > > and now your grandchildren have come along...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will.
> > > When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still.
> > > When you want to stop cause you've had your fill...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When you think you're finished and want to quit.
> > > When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit .
> > > When you've tried and tried to get out of t...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > When the year has been long and successes few.
> > > When December comes and you're feeling blue .
> > > God gives a January just for you...
> > > Start over.
> > >
> > > Starting over means "Victories Won"
> > > Starting over means "A Race well Run"
> > > Starting over means "God's Will Done"
> > > Don't just sit there..............
> > > START OVER.
> > >
> > > Wishing you all well
> > >
> > > JB
> >
> > JB, good story, nice poem, but I didn't care for all the *YOU's*. I
know
> > how it was and is for me and I would much rather hear how it was and is
for
> > *YOU*. I, for one, was always good at telling other's how to do
something.
> > Did I follow my own advice? Not always! I would much rather see you post
on
> > what you are doing to stay sober.
> > Best,
> > Gail
> >
> >
>
>

"Gail" <leonard_gail@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vheho2piqhd9a6@corp.supernews.com...
> Ok, I will..
> Today I didn't need or want a drink. Slept late because I am having to sit
> up later to pick my son up at work. Always kinda scared he will be drunk
> when I pick him up. He did that on the 4th and I really had a hard time,
all
> the while listening to him call me names and bring up his childhood to me
> because of my drinking. The only thing I could think of was to go to a
> meeting and ask someone to come out and talk or just be there with me
> because he was so angry and drunk. I think it probably, rather, did help
me
> more than it helped him. Anyway, next night he wanted a meeting. He has
been
> to about three since then. Thing is, I am going everyday now. I see AA
> meetings and the program of AA in a different light, now. They were there
> for me and I want to be there for them.
> There is this girl that has asked me to be her adopted mother. She was in
a
> car accident and is kinda slow. She is also pregnant. Today, I took her
> clothes, shoes and some other goodies. She wore one of the dresses to the
> meeting, along with a pair of shoes and the necklace I gave her. Then, I
> took her to the meeting and the meeting was all about resentments. Blue, I
> even talked. That is something I have never done in meetings. You guys and
> gals have helped me so much with understanding the program of AA and about
> meetings. I don't rely on this group to keep me sober. But this group has
> been awfully helpful in helping me to learn how to stay sober. For that, I
> thank you all.
> So, I have had a wonderful week. My son may drink again or he may go to
> meetings and start working the program of AA. I have put that in God's
> hands. I am taking care of me now and I really feel great tonight.
> Have a great day or evening to all you guys and gals!
> Gail
>
Hi Gail,
Lovely to har from you. Seems like you've been through the wringer lately
but have come out smiling. Strange how bad things can sometimes make things
better.
Deb/Bubba